タケマシュラン
Opened in 2019 right next to Kyoto Station, "The Thousand Kyoto" offers an overwhelming space right next to the bullet train station. On this day, I visited the Italian dining restaurant "Scalae" located right in the center of the above photo. The restaurant has a bright and open atmosphere, with a unique layout featuring counter seats in the center, table seats along the walls, and an open kitchen at the back. The number of staff seemed to outnumber the guests, showing the luxury service you would expect from a luxury hotel. The prices for drinks are a bit high since it's a hotel, but the inclusion of a 10% tax and a 13% service charge in the price makes it a bit more bearable. The sommelier chef, Mr. Wataru Iwata, who is one of the top talents in Japan, was not present on this day. Instead, a charming sommelier served us, filling my heart with satisfaction. The amuse-bouche was a beet mousse with chips, a thoughtful and intricate dish. The salad was surprisingly generous in portion, with plenty of prosciutto. The egg and soy milk sauce in the center was also abundant, but the plating felt somewhat outdated with a Japanese flag motif. The bread consisted of focaccia and rye bread, both with a simple flavor that didn't leave a lasting impression. For pasta, I chose the "Genovese and Pecorino Cheese Fusilli," a classic and delicious dish with rich basil flavor, the saltiness and umami of the cheese, and the nuttiness of pine nuts. However, the slow dish service despite the large number of staff was a bit disappointing. The fish dish was a grilled thread-sail filefish, cooked perfectly with concentrated flavors and an excellent tomato sauce, reminiscent of French cuisine. The veal cutlet was also well-cooked with a mushroom-heavy sauce, but the meat itself had some tough parts, which was a shame. For dessert, a dark cherry tart with chocolate ice cream was served, with a taste that hinted at French cuisine. The restaurant could easily transform into a French restaurant at any moment. The meal ended with Japanese tea and sweets. Overall, with two glasses of wine, the total cost was around 10,000 yen per person, making it a reasonable price for a luxurious dining experience at a Kyoto hotel. If you book through websites like Ikkyu, you may enjoy a more affordable experience. Until now, my only choice for a cool restaurant near Kyoto Station was "Germoglio," but now I have more options.